Jianbo - Interview
Jianbo is a Chinese/Vietnamese-Britsh rapper whose quickfire flow and stunning music videos are steadily emerging on the UK Hip-Hop scene. Jianbo’s lyrics celebrate his Creative Asian Diasporic culture and his roots which make him a unique contender in the game. Jianbo himself has a background in the visual arts, which helps him creatively direct his own work. Not yet signed to a label, Jianbo shows just what can be achieved with a magical mix of talent and self-motivation. Wordplay chatted to Jianbo about his latest EP ‘Yellow Peril’ and his visions for an exciting future in the industry.
1. Hey, Jianbo. Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with Wordplay Mag. Can you start by describing your sound in three words?
Explosive, game-changing, diaspora.
2. Can you explain the title of your album, ‘Yellow Peril’, and tell our readers a little bit about what they can expect from hearing it?
It’s actually a racially-charged term that they used back in the day to explain a fear of eastern Asian people and our growing influence. They used to tell people to be afraid of us - now I’m here to reclaim the term because I really might just take over the rap game haha!
3. What or who are your biggest creative influences in life?
I have a lot of creative influences that are constantly changing and it all depends on where I am in my life. Right now, I’m really inspired by various friends of mine - especially Lausse the Cat & Nix Northwest, as well as Black Country, New Road, and Spang Sisters. But outside of the people around me, I’d say there’s a handful of musicians that have shaped my sound and outlook on creativity - people like Dizzee Rascal, Earl Sweatshirt, Kodak Black, and J Hus.
4. When structuring a new song, what does your writing process usually look like?
My writing process totally varies, sometimes I like to write all the lyrics and finish the beat after. Sometimes it’s the other way round. Occasionally I write a song super slowly and will occasionally add a line here and there on random train journeys until I have a complete track. Other times, I’ve gone to the studio with a producer and wrote the whole track in 30 minutes whilst they’re still working on the beat. So, I guess it’s always dependent on my mood and what kind of song we’re trying to make.
5. How was your Asian Diaspora background influenced the way you express yourself?
My Asian background has pretty much shaped me in everything I do. I’m the son of two refugees from the Vietnam War. Everything from how I grew up, to the people I was surrounded by, and the type of environment I was forced to live in - have all influenced me massively. I’m just figuring out how to put my life and experiences into words and music now. It’d be impossible to separate my background from my music - because my music is what I am, and I am only my personal experiences.
6. You’re currently unsigned - how do you manage to get yourself out there, and do you have any advice for other aspiring unsigned artists?
My advice to other unsigned artists is - to be hungry for success and keep trying…I think we can have anything in this world if we try hard enough. Don’t get too caught up in what everyone else is saying or doing - just focus on your own ting and stick to your guns. One thing I’ve learned is that there are 101 ways to do it in this game, you just have to find what works for you.
7. What are your future goals within the music business?
I’ve got a lot of future plans inside the music industry, but the first big objective is releasing my debut album, which I have high hopes to be an important cultural milestone for both UK culture and the East Asian diaspora worldwide.
8. If you could give your younger self any advice now, what would it be?
Don’t obsess over money and focus on the bigger picture.
9. What does a usual week look like for you?
2 days a week working on film stuff, 3 days a week on music, and a weekend of fun. That is the current state of my life honestly!
10. What are you most looking forward to doing in Summer 2022?
I’m heading to Sardinia with some friends next week - I can’t wait to be driving around the coastal mountains, sipping a frosty beer on a sun lounger, and getting a massage at a spa resort somewhere.
Thank you for talking to us at Wordplay Magazine, Jianbo. We wish you all the best for the future!
Stay up to date with Jianbo;
https://www.instagram.com/jianboforever/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsotJjeK07vQuZt_iXBfWnQ
Interview: Jessica Holmes